Boxing is a combat sport, consisting of two trained fighters attempting to pummel the each other into unconsciousness. Even in amateur competition, where a knockout is not an intentional goal, fighters score points by hitting the other in the head and body. Although spinal injuries aren't as common in boxing as they are in football, they are still a risk -- a risk not entirely eliminated by the rules of the sport.
Spinal Impact
Hard impact directly to the spine can cause trauma to the bones, nerves and muscles of that area. For this reason, rules of professional and amateur boxing forbid punches directly to the spine. A boxer who does so risks sanctions ranging from a warning to penalty points to disqualification from the bout.
Whiplash
Much of the spinal trauma suffered by boxers is to the upper spine, especially the neck. Whiplash, an injury most commonly associated with auto accidents, happens when the head whips back and forth after impact, wrenching the neck and upper spine as it does so. A boxing punch to the head will rock and whip the head in the same way as a car accident. This is the most common cause of spinal injuries in boxing competition.
Spinal Sprains
A spinal sprain is damage to the muscles that surround and support the spine, and can easily be caused by whiplash from boxing punches to the head. Symptoms of a spinal sprain include chronic pain, lost range of motion in the neck and upper torso, and are often accompanied by headaches.
Spinal Fractures
A spinal fracture is exactly what it sounds like: a fracture of one or more of the vertebrae. Although less common than spinal sprains, they are a possibility given the impacts of boxing punches magnified by the leverage of a whiplash injury. These are serious injuries that demand immediate medical attention. Symptoms include pain and lost range of motion and often a tingling sensation in the neck and extremities.
Herniated Discs
The discs of cartilage between your vertebrae cushion the bones of your spine and protect the nerves that pass between the vertebrae into the rest of your body. Whiplash boxing injuries can tear these discs and move them out of position, leaving your bones grinding against one another or pinching the nerves. Sharp and tingling, but intermittent, pain is a sign of this kind of spinal trauma.
Common Sense Caution
You don't want to take chances with injuries to your spine and neck. If you suspect you've received spinal trauma beyond normal muscle soreness, you should check in with your doctor immediately. Don't return to boxing until your doctor has released you for that kind of activity.
References
- Spine Health: Whiplash
- BBC Health: Boxing
- "The Sports Injury Handbook"; Dr. Christer Rolf; 2011
Member Comments